[X] My Assistant

[Marcel]

I wonder if a small RTG could help Phoenix through northern winter after its primairy mission (in order to keep it awake at minimum requirements for thermal and communication purposes), and what you'll think about that idea.

[djellison]

No money ( PHX has already dropped the active entry iirc, because the money simply isnt there)

No volume - already a tight squeeze inside the payload - which is way way beyond PDR, and thus not changeable.

No mass - it'll be calculated to the last kg - the launch vehicle is probably undergoing manufacture already - A Delta II - which flavour I'm not sure.

I think people very very easily underestimate the complexity of spacecraft.

And lest we forget - we dont NEED months and months of extended mission. Take the full panorama, do the trenching, enjoy the LIDAR - job done.

It's not like an extra year would be usefull so we can drive 5km to a different area...and NO...we cant put wheels on it

Doug

[Marcel]

I think people very very easily underestimate the complexity of spacecraft.

I know exactly what you mean Doug. It was just an idea without me knowing much about the architecture of the lander itself. What was leading in the idea, is that an RTG is self sustaining: it doesn't need anything except a place (which is not available considering your reply) and a galvanic line to the bus (which shouldn't be a problem). The money however is always a "problem".

I'll forget about it.